Aargh Matey! It’s Time For A Hockey Invasion!

The weekend of January 26-28 is sure to be one for the ages in Tampa as Gasparilla and the 2018 NHL All-Star Weekend collide for an unforgettable experience.Whether you are a hockey fan or not, there will be plenty to enjoy and experience for everyone!

The fun will begin on Friday, January 26, 2018, when the NHL Festivities begin with “All-Star Friday Night” which will feature a FREE concert at 8:00pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with a variety of musical acts, leading up to the headliners, Fitz and the Tantrums.

The NHL All-Star Pregame will be Fan Central all weekend beginning in the Silver Lot of Amalie Arena and into Cotanchobee Park on the Tampa Riverwalk located just across the street from Amalie Arena. The All-Star Pregame is FREE and will give fans the chance to participate in various skills tests and even have a photo opportunity with the Stanley Cup. NHL Mascots from across the league will be in attendance for fans to meet as well as autograph opportunities from current and retired NHL Stars.

The NHL All-Star Pregame will be open the following times:

Friday, January 26, 2018: 5:00pm-10:00pm

Saturday, January 27, 2018: 12:00pm-11:00pm

Sunday, January 28, 2018: 12:00pm-3:30pm

The Gasparilla Invasion and the Parade of Pirates will take over Downtown Tampa on Saturday and this year will have a few hockey related additions which will include former Tampa Bay Lightning Captain Vinny Lecavalier as the Grand Marshall of the parade.

The NHL Skills Competition will then take place at Amalie Arena on Saturday, January 27th, from 7:00pm until 9:30pm. The All-Star Game will then be played from 3:30pm until 7:00pm at Amalie Arena on Sunday, January 28, 2018. To purchase tickets to either of these events, click here.

Even if you aren’t planning on attending the All-Star Game on Sunday, you can still welcome the players as they enter Amalie Arena on the All-Star Red Carpet at 1:00pm. Fans will be able to line both sides of the red carpet and greet the players and other celebrities and possibly get autographs as they make their way into Amalie Arena.

**Check back in a few days as Play In Tampa Bay continues coverage on the Gasparilla 2018 festivities (or, click here).**